Launched in 2024, the PEN Heaney Prize recognises a single volume of poetry, published in the UK or Ireland, of outstanding literary merit that engages with the impact of cultural or political events on human conditions or relationships. Through his essays, lectures, and addresses, Heaney became one of the most eloquent advocates for poetry and the role of the poet in public life. He understood the power of poetry to speak and respond to certain moments and experiences in the wider world, while always mindful that poetry must never lose “its fundamentally self-delighting inventiveness.” Open to writers of any nationality or geographical location, including those whose work has been translated into English, at any stage of their career, the prize recognises the diverse voices producing this kind of poetry. 

In honour of Heaney, the Estate, English PEN, and Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann wish to celebrate work that resonates with Heaney’s own values and interests, work that remains “true to the impact of external reality and … sensitive to the inner laws of the poet’s being”, to quote from his Nobel Lecture.   

The inaugural prize has been judged by poets Nick Laird, Paula Meehan and Shazea Quraishi, with Catherine Heaney joining them as non-voting Chair. 

The winning volume will be revealed during the ceremony, to be held in the Great Hall at Queen’s University, in partnership with the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s. The winner will receive £5,000.  The event will feature several speeches and readings from all the shortlisted collections, followed by the announcement of the overall prize winner and a drinks and canapés reception. 

The Great Hall is fully wheelchair accessible, and gender inclusive toilets are available.

The PEN Heaney Prize is delivered in partnership by English PEN, Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann and the Estate of Seamus Heaney and is generously supported by Hawthornden Foundation.